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Travellers reminded to be vigilant against rabies
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In view of the recent cases of rabies in some parts of the Mainland, the Department of Health today (August 7) reminded travellers to the Mainland, especially the affected areas, to be vigilant to minimise the risk of infection.

Chief Port Health Officer of the Department of Health, Dr Henry Kong said if travellers could not avoid going to places of high incidence of rabies, they were advised to consider immunisation against the disease and to avoid wild animals and stray dogs and cats.

"Rabies is transmitted to humans by the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. It is an acute fatal disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.

"Travellers planning to go to remote rural regions without medical facilities or rabies-affected areas are advised to be extra careful, especially if they are planning to engage in such high-risk activities as hiking and animal-handling," he said.

"Symptoms of rabies include malaise, headache, fever and abnormal skin sensations. These are followed after a few days by hyperactivity, disorientation, severe and painful muscle spasm, especially of the throat leading to fear of water, difficult in breathing, paralysis, coma and death.    

"The incubation period is usually three to eight weeks, and may range from a few days to one year," he added.

Dr Kong said there was no definite treatment for rabies at the moment.

"It is, therefore, very important that after being bitten or scratched by animals, one must wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap or detergent immediately and then seek medical attention as soon as possible," Dr Kong said.

Standard treatment includes:

* Thorough cleaning of wound, usually without suturing;

* Post-exposure immunisation against rabies to be considered according to circumstances, e.g., whether the animal could be observed, presence of rabies in the areas, etc;

* Tetanus booster or antibiotic may also be needed.

For latest information on infectious disease outbreaks in various parts of the world and preventive measures against travel-related illnesses, members of the public may visit the Department of Health's Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk.

Travellers can make use of the service including one-stop travel-related advice, vaccinations and prescription of preventive medications. Details are available on the website and appointments can be made by telephoning the Hong Kong Travel Health Centre at 2961 8840 or Kowloon Travel Health centre at 2150 7235.

Ends/Monday, August 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:28

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